Review of the mechanisms of probiotic actions in the prevention of colorectal cancer

• Published in: Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 37; pp. 1 - 19
• Main Authors: dos Reis, Sandra A, da Conceição, Lisiane L, Siqueira, Nathane P, Rosa, Damiana D, da Silva, Letícia L, Peluzio, Maria do Carmo G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Anticarcinogenic activity; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal Neoplasms - microbiology; Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Health; Humans; Intestinal microbiota; Intestines - metabolism; Intestines - microbiology; Probiotics; Probiotics - therapeutic use; Specific Pathogen Free; SPF; Lactic Acid Bacteria; NF-κB; Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid; Cyclooxygenase; Aberrant Crypt Foci; Lipopolysaccharide; PhIP; hs-CRP; Lactobacillus; colorectal cancer; Bifidobacterium; IL; Free Radicals; DSS; 2-Amino-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine hydrochloride; SCFA; GPx; PPARγ; Conjugated Linoleic Acid; Short-Chain Fatty Acids; CRC; Reduced Glutathione; NK; MNNG; Natural Killer; probiotics; Tumor Necrosis Factor Alfa; B; N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitosoguanidine; anticarcinogenic activity; E; Interleukin; FR; L; 1,2-dimethylhydrazine; LPS; Transforming Growth Factor Beta; High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein; Glutathione Peroxidase; Azoxymethane; CFU; S; Colony Forming Units; Glutathione S-Transferase; TGF-β; GSH; Nuclear Transcription Factor Kappa B; DMH; AOM; Escherichia; ACF; health; GST; IGF; SOD; LAB; TNBS; COX; intestinal microbiota; Streptococcus; Insulin-Like Growth Factor; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Gamma Receptor; TNF-α; CLA; Dextran Sulfate Sodium; Superoxide Dismutase; IgA; Health; Colorectal cancer; Anticarcinogenic activity; Probiotics; Intestinal microbiota
• ISSN: 0271-5317; 1879-0739
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.11.009

Abstract The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential mechanisms of probiotics action in colorectal cancer prevention. In this regard, the composition of the intestinal microbiota is considered as an important risk factor in the development of colorectal cancer and that probiotics are able to positively modulate the composition of this microbiota. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of probiotics could prevent the development of colorectal cancer. In this respect, in vitro and experimental studies suggest some potential mechanisms responsible for this anticarcinogenic action. The mechanisms include: modification of the intestinal microbiota composition; changes in metabolic activity of the microbiota; binding and degradation of carcinogenic compounds present in the intestinal lumen; production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity; immunomodulation; improvement of the intestinal barrier; changes in host physiology; inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. In contrast, very few reports demonstrate side effects of probiotic oral supplementation. In light of the present evidence, more specific studies are needed on probiotic bacteria, especially regarding the identification of the bacterial strains with greater anticarcinogenic potential; the verification of the viability of these strains after passing through the gastrointestinal tract; the investigation of potential side effects in immunocompromised individuals; and finally establishing the dosage and frequency of use.